My Doctor Recommends MLD Therapy – Is That the Only Lipedema Treatment Available?

If you’ve received a lipedema diagnosis, your doctor may have recommended MLD therapy to you. This is a popular form of conservative lipedema treatment. Although it won’t cure your condition, it could help to relieve your discomfort. Some patients find that they achieve good results with MLD therapy. However, that doesn’t mean it’s the only treatment option open to you.

What Is MLD?

MLD or manual lymphatic drainage is a form of gentle massage. It helps to improve the movement of waste and fluids through the body’s lymphatic system. Your lymphatic system drains away excess waste products and fluid from your tissues. It also combats infection and inflammation and transports proteins and fats around your body.

An MLD therapist will use rhythmic, light hand movements on your skin to stimulate the lymphatic channels and lymph nodes. Typically, the therapist will also incorporate breathing movements into this type of treatment.

How Often Should You Have MLD Carried Out?

The frequency of MLD treatments required will depend on each patient’s needs. Many people widely believe that having regular weekly MLD is more effective for most people than a single treatment. For some patients, MLD is necessary several times a week. Patients must also use it with other treatments, including compression garments. Each treatment takes around one hour, so it can be quite time-consuming.

How Does MLD Help with Lipedema?

In lipedema sufferers, their lymphatic systems often fail to properly drain the areas of abnormal fat tissue. This causes fluid to accumulate in areas of inflammation, causing further inflammation and altering the fat cells. Manual lymphatic drainage reduces inflammation and fluid accumulation. As a result, it reduces symptoms, such as discomfort, swelling, and heaviness. It can help to improve mobility and reduce pain.

Is There an Alternative to MLD?

Many consider MLD to be a conservative treatment. While it doesn’t cure lipedema, it helps to relieve some suffering and discomfort. That doesn’t mean there isn’t an alternative. Liposuction has proven to be very successful as a lipedema treatment. It permanently removes the abnormal fat cells in the affected areas. This is extremely beneficial for several reasons.

First, when the surgeon removes the abnormal fat cells, the procedure eliminates the heaviness and mobility issues they cause. After lipo, lipedema sufferers can walk more easily and can stand for longer periods without pain. Most importantly, perhaps, lipo can restore the normal appearance of the limbs. One of the biggest problems associated with lipedema is the way it transforms the appearance of the lower body. Most sufferers are embarrassed by their column-like legs and much larger hips, thighs, and calves. They feel insecure about the way they look and suffer from poor self-esteem. Liposuction can help to relieve the anxiety and depression associated with lipedema by creating a more “normal” physique.

Can I Have Liposuction for My Lipedema?

If you’ve received a lipedema diagnosis, you should discuss all your options with your doctor. Unfortunately, this condition remains poorly understood, even among those in the medical profession. This means you may not get all the advice and support you need. Here at Artistic Lipo and Plastic Surgery, we’re experts in liposuction for lipedema. We have many satisfied former patients who have found a new lease of life after treatment with us.

If you’re ready to find out more about whether liposuction lipedema treatment is right for you, contact us today. Our friendly, helpful team will answer all your questions and arrange a consultation for you.

Lipedema can be a challenging condition to live with. However, with the right treatment, you can enjoy a better quality of life. You could soon be enjoying better physical and mental health.

Dr. Meegan Gruber is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has been in practice since 2005. She is a native Floridian who was born in Miami. Dr. Gruber attended the University of California at Berkeley where she graduated with honors with a double major in Molecular Biology and Ethnic Studies and a minor in Fine Art.